Sakai, Nirenberg Face Off in Bexar County Judge Race

The Democratic primary for Bexar County Judge features two experienced candidates with overlapping tenures in local government.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the race for Bexar County Judge, Democratic candidates Peter Sakai and Ron Nirenberg are touting their experience as they vie for the party's nomination. Sakai, the current county judge, and Nirenberg, the former San Antonio mayor, are positioning themselves as the best candidates to tackle the county's pressing issues, including the overcrowded jail system. The winner of the Democratic primary will face the lone Republican candidate, Patrick Von Dohlen, in the November election.

Why it matters

The Bexar County Judge race is a crucial contest in the heavily Democratic county, with the winner likely to shape the county's policies and priorities for the next several years. The race features two seasoned politicians with differing approaches, and the outcome could have significant implications for how the county addresses its most pressing challenges.

The details

Sakai and Nirenberg both have extensive experience in local government, having overlapped as the heads of Bexar County and San Antonio city governments, respectively. Sakai, a former district court judge, won the 2022 election for county judge, while Nirenberg was forced out of the mayor's office by term limits in 2025. The two candidates are portraying themselves as the best equipped to work with others and find solutions to the county's problems, particularly the overcrowded jail system. Sakai has dismissed the possibility of a new jail as a "budget buster," while Nirenberg has said "every option needs to be on the table," including a diversion center to provide appropriate care for those who don't belong in jail.

  • Early voting began on February 19, 2026 and runs through February 27, 2026.
  • The primary election is on March 3, 2026.

The players

Peter Sakai

The current Bexar County Judge, Sakai had a celebrated history as a district court judge before winning the 2022 election against a Republican opponent.

Ron Nirenberg

The former San Antonio mayor, Nirenberg was forced out of office by term limits in June 2025 and is now running for Bexar County Judge.

Patrick Von Dohlen

The lone Republican candidate for Bexar County Judge, Von Dohlen will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the November election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have provided strong, steady, effective leadership that has focused on basic core function of county government. I don't need any legacy issues.”

— Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge (KSAT)

“We have been far too reactive. The issues that we're debating today are the same ones that we were debating three years ago and they're getting worse.”

— Ron Nirenberg, Former San Antonio Mayor (KSAT)

“I don't want a jail. I want a better criminal justice system.”

— Ron Nirenberg, Former San Antonio Mayor (KSAT)

“The reason why we're talking about a new jail is because of the standards and conditions there that have had people languish. We've got hundreds of people in jail that just shouldn't be there because there's no facility to divert them to that can provide appropriate care. That's the reason for the diversion center.”

— Ron Nirenberg, Former San Antonio Mayor (KSAT)

“Let us find a regional facility that will take care of people who are mentally ill, people that are mentally incompetent, people that don't belong in because they're non-violent, but yet they can't get out of our jail.”

— Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge (KSAT)

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026 will face the Republican candidate, Patrick Von Dohlen, in the November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

The race for Bexar County Judge features two experienced candidates with differing approaches to addressing the county's challenges, particularly the overcrowded jail system. The outcome of the Democratic primary could have significant implications for the county's policies and priorities in the coming years.